Join us to celebrate the end of the year with colleagues and industry friends at Hobart's newest hotel development, DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart.
This year, we are sharing the spirit of Christmas and invite you to bring JOY to struggling Tasmanian families. We are partnering with Hobart City Mission's Joy Drive and request that for your attendance at our end of year celebrations, you bring along an unwrappeditem that will bring happiness to a child or family that couldn't otherwise afford:
· The essentials. Think pantry staples and life necessities. · Toys/gifts for children suitable for ages 0 – 16 For more ideas and information, view here.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart
179 Macquarie Street, Hobart
Thursday 5th December, 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Nibbles provided with a cash bar available for beverage purchases. We will also be selling tickets for a raffle which will be drawn on the night.
We are able to deliver Tips and Tipples events to our members free of charge as part of their membership benefits package, however, if you are not a partner or financial member of DST and would like to come, please contact us. Please let us know if you have any specific access requirements.
When you embark on a Tasvanlife journey, you’re not just renting a van – you’re gaining a trusted partner in exploration. From meticulously outfitting the vans with every comfort you could desire to crafting comprehensive travel guides, we go the extra mile to ensure your journey is unforgettable.
Old Hobart Town Model Village in Richmond is Australia’s only historical model village, offering a fascinating replica of Hobart in 1820 with over 60 buildings, period figurines, and native bonsai trees. This family-friendly attraction features informative signage, a fun game, and accessibility options, providing a unique, engaging experience for all visitors.
Share Your News with DST
Destination Southern Tasmania is always interested in your industry updates. Completing this form lets us know what’s happening in your business or region. Your news and information may be shared with Tourism Tasmania and throughout the Destination Southern Tasmania social, email and web channels. Priority is given to DST members.
News from southern Tasmania
After a winter break, 1830 Restaurant & Bar returns to Port Arthur Historic Site from Friday 29th November. Enjoy casual bar service from 3pm, followed by dinner reservations from 5pm, Wednesday - Sunday (inclusive of Ghost Tour Evenings).
Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards
Earlier this month, the annual Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards took place in Sydney, recognising excellence in national campaigns, content, social, publications, partnerships and PR.
MACq01 Hotel's 'Pay by Sleep Suite' took out Best Campaign with a Small Budget, and was also awarded Highly Commended for PR Idea of the Year - this category was won by Tourism Tasmania's Odd Jobs.
Danika Porter, Head of Brand & Marketing| Federal Group Tourism
Join the Tailored Tour
Celebrating 12 years & launch of the fourth edition of Tailored Tasmania
Join our firstTailored Touras we travel Tassie across 8 events, kicking off with the official launch Dec 4 at Brooke Street Pier. Think waterside canapes, a northern brewery gathering, NW berry patch outdoor tunes, kid's reading with babycinos, a day at the Hobart International Tennis and more to come in 2025.
Tailored Tas 4 is available for pre-order delivered to your door, along with our latest children's titles including Tiny Tassie - perfect for a thoughtful Christmas gift! Across our events we already have $10k+ in Tailored Giveaways - loads of goodies to share from our tourism friends. →Register now
Sea the Night with Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures
New winter tour launching soon Discover the magic of Tasmania's night sky with our exclusive Sea the Night cruise, departing from Margate Marina. As you glide through the pristine d'Entrecasteaux Channel, let the clear, star-studded sky captivate your senses. Begin your journey with a complimentary alcoholic drink and a charcuterie platter, followed by a comforting bowl of soup. Indulge in Tasmania's famous scallop pie and finish your evening with a slice of freshly baked cake. Our Sea the Sky cruise is more than just an outing—it's an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gourmet delights. Cruise will operate from April - September 2025 with bookings open from December 2024.
kMR 2025 Volunteer Portal now open
Get first dibs and join the 2025 kMR Vollie Crew and be rewarded with loads of discounts and merchandise.
The Tasmanian Government is creating a shared long-term community vision for kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the broader Wellington Park through a strategic review. The formal community consultation period is now open until 4 December 2024. It is an important opportunity for everyone to have their say to help develop a plan for Our Mountain's Future.
Derwent Distillery, nestled along Tasmania’s picturesque timtumili minanya/Derwent River, is making sustainability and positive impact central to its operations. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, the distillery actively integrates eco-friendly practices into every aspect of its production and packaging. The team source local ingredients where possible, supporting regional businesses whilst reducing their carbon footprint. The use of solar panels for renewable energy and recyclable or recycled materials in packaging—including biodegradable cellulose wraps for bottle necks in place of plastic—demonstrates their dedication to minimising environmental impact.
The distillery’s sustainability efforts extend beyond production, with initiatives like using recycled glass bottles and paper for labels and rehabilitating on-site habitats to support native wildlife and biodiversity. These practices align with their mission to create a harmonious relationship between their craft and the surrounding environment.
In addition to environmental sustainability, Derwent Distillery invests in meaningful and impactful projects. Sales from their Last Sanctuary Gin contribute to the Handfish Conservation Project, aiding critically endangered species in the Derwent Estuary. They also engage deeply with the local community, employing local artisans, collaborating with residents, and supporting wildlife conservation through partnerships like the Friends of Bonorong group. → Discover more
TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS
⭐Tasmanian Tourism Awards 🏆
Earlier this month, more than 450 tourism operators and industry peers celebrated excellence in Tasmanian tourism at the annual awards gala held at Wrest Point. Tim and Jane Parsons of Curringa Farm were honoured as Tasmanian Tourism Champions for their dedication to the industry and ongoing advocacy both nationally and internationally. Congratulations to all operators who were judged as medallists, the full list of results can be viewed here.
The Off Season 2025
Phase 1 submissions close 13 December
Winter may have just ended, but planning for the 2025 Off Season campaign has already begun.
The fifth annual Off Season campaign will continue to position Tasmania as a must-visit winter destination, focused on driving visitation during the traditionally quieter travel period between May and August.
Offers received by 13 December 2024 will be:
Published on the Discover Tasmania website from early February 2025 for pre-launch campaign activity with longer lead time for bookings
Considered for inclusion in key campaign activity
If you haven't already submitted an offer, view these useful links below and get in early to help get noticed!
New intrastate campaign encourages Tasmanians to explore the regions
Eat, Drink, Stay, Play
The new local marketing campaign encourages Tasmanians to enjoy the state's diverse tourism and hospitality experiences during the warmer months, helping drive regional dispersal. → Discover more
TICT's Spirit Spotlight
Last week the Premier shared an update on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, committing to additional sailings through to October 2025. →Learn More
Brand Tasmania Resources
Did you know that becoming a Tasmanian Partner is free and provides you with access a fantastic asset toolkit and a range of informative workshops?
Southern Tasmania has an incredible line-up of markets and events over the coming month. These events drive strong visitation from local and interstate visitors, so to help you get a piece of the action, visit Hobart & Beyond's
Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education is a joint initiative of the Australian and Tasmania Governments providing *tuition-free training places to students and industry professionals wanting to train, retrain or upskill.
Flexible training can be done on the job, online or at Drysdale… the choice is yours!
Current qualifications and skill sets available:
SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality
SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality
SIT30122 Certificate III in Tourism
SIT30322 Certificate III in Guiding
SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery
Housekeeping Essentials Skill Set
Front Office Skill Set
For more information view our website or contact Brooke Cubit directly:
Access your FREE 4 hours coaching with a digital expert
before 31 December
Spring is the perfect time to review your businesses online presence and develop a strategy to drive sales. The Digital Ready Program offers one-on-one coaching with an expert either face to face or over Zoom.
Topics can include anything regarding getting your business online such as; websites, e-commerce, booking systems, social media, SEO, content, advertising, online tools, Google My business, strategy and much more.
The best part, the program is fully subsidised by the Tasmanian Government
The Events Tasmania Marketing Grant Program – 2025 offers grants to the organisers of events in Tasmania to increase visitation to their event. The program seeks to support marketing initiatives that promote and attract audiences to events held in Tasmania between 1 January and 30 June 2025.
Applications open from 2:00 pm Tuesday, 19 November 2024 to 2:00 pm Thursday, 1 May 2025.
Touring grants of up to $20,000 are available to eligible organisers of touring activities that are held between March and November (inclusive) that attract more than 40 people to Tasmania, who stay in paid commercial accommodation for five nights or more and spend 40 per cent or more of the touring activity in regional areas (outside Greater Hobart).
Championships grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible organisers of competitions, championships and sporting events that bring more than 100 competitors and supporters to Tasmania, who stay for three nights or more and promote pre- and post-championship travel within the state as part of their event marketing.
The $50 million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania. The scheme will open for applications until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until all funding has been utilised, whichever occurs first.
Through the support of the Tasmanian Government, the TICT is supporting tourism businesses in reducing their emissions by matching eligible tourism operators with one of two programs over 2023 and 2024.
The Scheme will provide no-interest loans of between $500 and $10,000 over three years to eligible households, residential landlords, small businesses and community organisations to fund investment in energy-efficient products.
